The Writers of Wales Database

JAMES, MIKE

Email: miketish4@bigpond.com
Website: www.bootsiebooks.com

Mike James is 38 years old and a Police Officer in Perth, Western Australia. Born in Newport, South Wales, he emigrated with his family in 1980 when he was eight years old. Mike thrived and was accepted at an agricultural boarding college for his senior years in schooling before graduating in 1988. He met his future wife Tish in 1989, married in 1998 and their son Connor was born in 1999. Mike became a fully qualified French polisher 5 years after graduating, working in the trade before applying and being accepted into the Western Australian Police Force in January 2005. He currently works in the crash investigation field.

On the week of his graduation from the academy in July 2005, Mike's father was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer and lost his battle in July 2006. Six months afterwards, Mike's son Connor was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumour. The next two years of treatment were horrific, and Mike turned to writing to distract him from the terrible situation the family was in. He came up with the idea of ‘Bootsie’ whilst his son was undergoing extensive radiation and chemo therapy after surgery, and the bravery Connor showed is the inspiration for the character.

The series of eight books follows ‘Bootsie’, who is faced with many challenges as most young boys are. The first in the series has now been self published, and Mike will be releasing the second book very soon.

Selected Publications:
Bootsie You’re 8 (Vivid Publishing, 2010)

Other titles coming soon:
Bootsie Number 2
Bootsie the Schoolboy
Bootsie the King
Bootsie and the Tourists
Bootsie Goes on Tour
Bootsie and the Team
Bootsie Just One More

Bootsie You’re 8 (Vivid Publishing, 2010)

Bootsie is desperate for his team, the South’s Bulldogs, to get into the finals of the under-11’s rugby union competition. But first, they have to face the Eastern Warriors, the South East Cats, then the dreaded Western Rebels…Just as it seems that Bootsie’s dream is within reach, one disaster after another strikes. With his supportive dad on the side line and an ex-international test player as his coach, Bootsie and teammates discover that there is more to the game than just winning or losing.
By facing-up to their anxiety, fear, and disappointment, the South’s Bulldogs’ infectious joy
of playing the game brings its own rewards.

As you laugh out loud, you’ll also be learning about positions, rules of the game, strategies as well as many other lessons in the game of rugby union.

To purchase this title simply visit the Bootsie Books website at www.bootsiebooks.com